note: have a pre-convergence convergence!! great to really solidify networking and coordination, figure out strengthes and weaknesses.

• website
  • ramp up the coverage and input streams – get content up there a.s.a.p.
  • non-local collation of content streams and presentation – people out of “the frey” who can compile information with a level head
  • be prepared to deal with massive increase in traffic, trolls and hackers
• tech / network
  • arrive at space days in advance for network / computer setup - test and troubleshoot
  • setup wireless
  • setup voicemail
  • obtain and setup piles of power strips
  • setup audio studio, and all group work areas [video, print, photo, editors, etc...]
• space
  • have people awake at space around the clock in shifts to provide early warning of raids, vandalism or problems
  • coordinate volunteers
  • obtain furniture for space, including tables for laptops
  • obtain supplies: toilet paper, trash bags, duct tape, COFFEE, (water) etc.
  • post guidelines on space usage (no illegal substances, need badge to enter, etc)
  • clearly post contact information for all imcistas and other key contacts
• outreach
  • getting schools to visit for photo-ops, community support/publicity
  • keep lines of communication open with established local "allies"

• gotchas
  • single internet connection
  • not enough phone lines
  • no ability to take in media from non-imc people, e.g. digital photo workstatsions, or video dubbing ability
  • backup physical space – redundancy of everything
  • if you setup a pirate radio station, don't do it at the convergence or sleeping space!
  • within space, clearly define rules and guidelines, ex: no illegal substances or activity. don't give authorities any reason to shut you down
  • avoid spending too much energy on security culture and “infiltrators”, etc...accept that they exist and move on

-- NadaCascadia - 19 Feb 2005
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